Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System complete merger

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Marshfield Clinic Health System, have completed their merger and are now one nonprofit integrated health system operating as Sanford Health, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the future of rural health care.

“Today’s historic milestone paves the way for us to advance world-class care across the rural Midwest and accelerate vital investments in the communities we have the privilege of serving,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “Together, we will reimagine the future of local, patient-centered nonprofit health care by expanding services, enhancing access and harnessing innovative technologies to improve the health of our communities. We are thrilled to welcome 13,000 new employees from Marshfield Clinic Health System to our Sanford family and look forward to embracing all of the new possibilities that lie ahead.”

The Marshfield Clinic region is a new health services delivery region of Sanford Health that will continue to serve communities in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Additionally, each organization’s respective health plans, Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan, will continue current operations under a common management reporting and governance structure.

“Our partnership brings together two organizations deeply committed to advancing health care for the people and communities we serve in rural America,” said Brian Hoerneman, M.D., who previously served as interim CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System and has now transitioned to the role of President and CEO of the Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health. “I am excited about the opportunities ahead as our teams learn from each other and combine our complementary strengths, cultures and missions. Together, we will build on our shared legacy, creating a future where every person, regardless of zip code, has access to the best possible care.”

The combined system will serve patients and communities across the upper Midwest, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. The organization includes nearly 56,000 employees, 56 hospitals, 4,500 providers, two fully integrated health plans, specialty pharmacies and nationally recognized research institutions. Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan will serve more than 425,000 members.

Additionally:

• Dr. Brian Hoerneman will continue to lead the newly established region in his new role as regional president and CEO. He is a native of Marshfield, Wisconsin, and a practicing emergency medicine physician.

• Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan will continue current operations under common management reporting and governance structures. The health plans will be led by Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, executive vice president and president and CEO of Sanford Health Plan. Krista Hoglund serves as regional president and CEO of Security Health Plan and reports to Dr. Ibrahim.

• Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) will become a region of Sanford Health. The Marshfield brand will continue to be predominant within the Marshfield Clinic region.